The Magician's Elephant by Kate DiCamillo

Peter is a young orphan who dreams of his baby sister who he thinks died at birth. He lives in a city called Baltese with his guardian, who was a soldier with his father. In this cold, northern city of Baltese, a magician has somehow made an elephant appear with unfortunate consequences. When a fortuneteller tells Peter that he should follow the elephant to his sister, the stories begin to intertwine. Lyrical, mysterious and thought provoking, the latest by Kate DiCamillo is a charming tale. The website at  http://www.themagicianselephant.com/ includes a webcast with Kate DiCamillo, an activity guide and a reading group discussion guide. The Magician's Elephant by Kate DiCamillo. Candlewick Press, 2009.